SAVANNAH CITY GOVERNMENT

SUMMARY/FINAL MINUTES

CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING

MAY 13, 2021 – 2:00 p.m.

Due to the Coronavirus Pandemic, the regular meeting of the City Council was held via Zoom video communications at 2:05 p.m. Following the roll call, Mayor Johnson recognized Alderman Purtee to introduce Rabbi Robert Haas, spiritual leader of Congregation of Mickve Israel, who delivered the invocation. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited in unison.

PRESENT: Mayor Van R. Johnson, II, Presiding

Alderwoman Kesha Gibson-Carter, At-Large, Post 1, Chairman

Alderwoman Alicia Miller Blakely, At-Large, Post 2

Alderwoman Bernetta B. Lanier, District 1

Alderman Detric Leggett, District 2

Alderwoman Linda Wilder-Bryan, District 3

Alderman Nick Palumbo, District 4, Vice-Chairman

Alderwoman Dr. Estella Edwards Shabazz, District 5, Mayor Pro-Tem

Alderman Kurtis Purtee, District 6

OTHERS PRESENT:

Acting City Manager Michael Brown

Assistant City Manager Heath Lloyd

City Attorney Bates Lovett

Clerk of Council Mark Massey

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

1. Adoption of the Regular Meeting Agenda for May 13, 2021

a. Alderwoman Gibson-Carter moved to amend the Agenda to include a Resolution to commit the City of Savannah to the Protection of Nature, Waterways and Neighborhood Streets through Management of Acceptable Single Use Packaging and Products, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely. The motion failed, 2-6-0. Alderwoman Gibson-Carter and Alderwoman Miller Blakely voted yea, with Mayor Johnson, Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz, Alderman Leggett, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan, Alderman Palumbo and Alderman Purtee voting no. Alderwoman Lanier did not vote.

Mayor Johnson requested a two (2) week time-frame to allow the Acting City Manager and City Attorney to make recommendations and edits prior to placing the Resolution on the Agenda at the May 27, 2021 Regular Council Meeting.

b. Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to adopt/approve the Agenda as presented, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier. The motion passed unanimously.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

2. Approval of Minutes for the Work Session & City Manager's Briefing Held on April 22, 2021 at 4:00 p.m.

Exhibit 1: Agenda Plus_DRAFT WS MINUTES_April 22, 2021 City Council Workshop.pdf

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #2 and #3, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan. The motion passed unanimously.

3. Approval of Minutes for the Regular Meeting Held on April 22, 2021 at 6:30 p.m.

Exhibit 1: Agenda Plus_DRAFT RM MINUTES_April-22-2021-city-council-regular-meeting_agenda_packet.pdf

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #2 and #3, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan. The motion passed unanimously.

PRESENTATIONS

4. A Proclamation Declaring May as National Historic Preservation Month

PRESENTED after Item#5, due to difficulty of signing on to Zoom.

Mayor Johnson presented the National Historic Preservation Month Proclamation to MPC Executive Director Melanie Wilson.

Ms. Wilson thanked Mayor and Council for the recognition and asked for continued support from the City. She thanked the MPC staff for all their hard work and cited upcoming MPC events.

Mayor Johnson and Aldermen/Alderwomen gave words of encouragement and thanks for the MPC staff and educational events.

5. A Proclamation Recognizing Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Savannah Alumnae Chapter's 80th Anniversary of Chapter Charter

Mayor Johnson presented Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Alumnae Chapter's 80th Anniversary, Chapter Charter Proclamation to Dr. Sametria R. McFall, President, Twana Maben and Laura Wiggins (not present).

On behalf of the membership, Dr. McFall thanked Mayor and Council for the recognition and the Proclamation.

CONSENT AGENDA - (This section shall include all routine items for which it is anticipated there will be no debate or requests for public input. Any Alderman can remove consent items for discussion or separate consideration.)

6. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract Renewal for Victory Drive Median Grounds Maintenance with Russell Landscape Savannah, Inc. (Local) for up to $36,000 (Event No. 6284)

Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Victory Drive Median Grounds Maint.pdf

Exhibit 2: Specifications - Victory Drive Median Grounds Maint.pdf

Exhibit 3: Purchasing Notes - Victory Drive Median Grounds Maint.pdf

Acting City Manager Brown commented, with respect to Items #6 and #9, Assistant City Manager Heath Lloyd and staff has designed an initiative entitled Small Public Works in an effort to promote small business efforts within the City. Mr. Lloyd added the focus will be to give local and MWBE's an opportunity to register and compete for contract awards with the City.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely questioned the local presence of Russell Landscape. Mr. Lloyd assured her that Russell Landscape is a local business. Alderman Palumbo offered the suggestion that the City staff is making an effort to be inclusive of smaller local businesses when awarding bid contracts. Mr. Lloyd agreed with Alderman Palumbo. Mayor Johnson endorsed the local business initiative.

Alderman Palumbo moved to approve Item #6, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier, Alderman Leggett and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan. The motion passed, 7-2-0. Alderwoman Gibson-Carter and Alderwoman Miller Blakely voted no.

Alderwoman Lanier asked about the contract renewals; is this the second or third renewal. Mr. Lloyd will verify which renewal with the purchasing department. Later during the discussions, Mr. Lloyd confirmed by the purchasing department Item #6 is the second renewal for Russell Landscape

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter requested the City Manager to provide the report of purchases made/authorized by the City Manager valued at less than $25,000.00 and an update on the status of the City partnering with the justice system and homeless nonprofits to employ individuals in need of work to help with litter clean-up. Mr. Brown indicated COVID has in some way limited progress on the work program, but City staff is working out the logistics and will submit a report to Council.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz thanked City staff for revisions to the bid/contract breakdown for local, small and MWBE's business inclusions for opportunities to work with the City.

7. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract for Event and Film Permit Software with Event Approvals, Inc. in the Amount of $45,000 (Event No. 8421)

Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Event and Film Permit Software.pdf

Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - Event and Film Permit Software.pdf

Alderwoman Miller Blakely expressed concerns with the contract amount and asked if staff reached out to Savannah Economic Development Authority (SEDA) and The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) to assist/share in the cost for the program. Acting City Manager Brown answered, the City is involved in various special and ongoing events, and this software program is necessary to keep track of the business, events, timeline, permits, any obstacles, and fees. Mayor Johnson indicated the program makes for an efficient experience for the customer, and the cost of the program is fully recovered from the fees. SEDA will contribute $10,000.00 towards the cost of the program.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #7, seconded by Alderman Purtee. The motion passed, 7-2-0. Alderwoman Gibson-Carter and Alderwoman Miller Blakely voted no.

8. Notification of an Emergency Purchase for a Water Main Leak Repair with EA Tapping Services in the Amount of $48,500 ( Event No. 8425)

Exhibit 1 : Funding Verification - Water Main Leak Repair.pdf

Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - Water Main Leak Repair.pdf

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #8, seconded by Alderman Purtee. The motion passed unanimously.

PURCHASING ITEMS

9. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract Renewal for Sidewalk, Curb and Cobblestone Repair Services with Savannah River Utilities (Local,Primary) and Savannah Paving, Inc. (Secondary) for up to $1,900,000 (Event No. 7079)

Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Sidewalk, Curb and Cobblestone Repairs.pdf

Exhibit 2: Specifications - Sidewalk, Curb and Cobblestone Repairs.pdf

Exhibit 3: Purchasing Notes - Sidewalk, Curb and Cobblestone Repairs.pdf

Alderman Purtee asked if the contract is just for Rousakis Plaza and the Riverwalk area. Assistant City Manager Lloyd answered, this is a City-wide service to repair the sidewalks and curbs. Alderman Purtee requested a priority list of sidewalk repairs by District, relative to the 88 trip hazard locations. Mayor Johnson requested staff to provide Council the trip hazards list. Mr. Lloyd will prepare and distribute the list to Council Members.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter suggested having workshops on larger contracts for Council's review prior to inclusion on the agenda. She asked Mr. Brown if the $1.9 million will be used only for cobblestone along Riverwalk. Alderwoman Gibson-Carter requested a priority list of the worst streets in Savannah by RoadBotics. Mayor Johnson clarified the description for the use of the $1.9 million. The contract will be used to install new sidewalks and requested Capital Improvement Projects. Mr. Brown explained the $1.9 million will be used throughout the City, including the Riverwalk area, for the repair of sidewalks and curbs. He encouraged any Council Member who has a question concerning the agenda, to call his office about those items prior to the meeting for clarity.

Alderwoman Lanier stated the City has infrastructure issues and needs to prioritize projects to alleviate many of the problems. She mentioned, sometimes just driving throughout the City and identifying needed sidewalk and curb repairs would make for equitable distribution of the work. Mayor Johnson agreed with Alderwoman Lanier and mentioned part of the work of the taskforces are racial equity and leadership. He will soon present an initiative for the City to start looking at everything through a diversity and equity lense.

Alderwoman Lanier moved to approve Item #9, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Alderman Leggett. The motion passed, 7-2-0. Alderwoman Gibson-Carter and Alderwoman Miller Blakely voted no.

10. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract Renewal for Budget Management Software from SHI International Corp. in the Amount of $295,000 (Event No. 7075)

Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Budget Software.pdf

Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - Budget Software.pdf

a. Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #10, #11 and #12, per Acting City Manager Brown's recommendation, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan. (No vote was taken.)

b. Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz revised the motion and moved to approve Items #10 and #12, per Acting City Manager Brown's recommendation, seconded by Mayor Johnson. The motion passed, 8-1-0. Alderwoman Gibson-Carter voted no.

11. Authorize the City Manager to Execute an Equity Lease Agreement for 303 Light-Duty City Vehicles with Enterprise Fleet Management in the Amount of $ $1,492,982 (Event No. 8211)

Exhibit 1: Purchasing Summary - Vehicle Lease Agreement.pdf

Exhibit 2: Funding Verification - Vehicle Lease Agreement.pdf

a. Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #10, #11 and #12, per Acting City Manager Brown's recommendation, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan. (No vote was taken.)

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked Acting City Manager Brown if staff's statement from the prior meeting "to own is better than to lease" was a correct statement. Mr. Brown stated in some instances it is better to lease than own, especially when it comes to light-duty trucks and sedans because they have a longer life. However, heavy duty trucks, specialty vehicles and dump trucks it is better to own.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked questions concerning the City's conversion to electric vehicles. Mr. Brown stated the City will need to add numerous electric charging stations, prior to purchasing a fleet of electric vehicles. Alderwoman Gibson-Carter reminded Council Members, in 2019 many of the Aldermen/Alderwomen emphasized creating an energy efficient City during campaign pledges. Mr. Brown stated the City staff is working diligently toward an energy efficient City, however, it will take time to migrate to a fully electric fleet.

Alderman Palumbo stated with this agenda, it marks the largest addition of alternative fuel vehicles in the City's history. It will cut C02 emissions by 23% and save taxpayers money by going from $0.46 to $0.40 per gallon. Alderman Palumbo took a point of personal privilege to address references to the 2019 campaign that should not be rehashed during meetings.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely called for point of order.

In reference to the environment, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan noted the City will purchase 21 electric and 91 hybrid vehicles; the largest move toward a cleaner environment. The current administration is in line with their priorities for the City.

Alderman Leggett asked Mr. Brown and Mr. Lloyd if the City was on schedule to replace the current fleet of vehicles with electric vehicles over time and negotiating for a cooperative agreement with the power company for more electric vehicle charging stations. Mr. Brown answered, yes.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely inquired about the 559 vehicles the City will sell over the next five years, where they will be sold, and if the public will be able to purchase any of the vehicles. Mr. Brown and Mr. Lloyd answered the public will be able to purchase the vehicles at an auction; the site is www.govdeals.com.

b. Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #11, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Purtee. The motion passed, 8-0-1. Alderwoman Gibson-Carter did not vote.

12. Authorize the City Manager to Procure Network Services and Equipment with Layer 3 (Local) in the Amount of $205,054.23 (Event No. 8420)

Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Network Services and Equipment.pdf

Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - Network Services and Equipment.pdf

a. Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #10, #11 and #12, per Acting City Manager Brown's recommendation, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan. (No vote was taken.)

SAVANNAH AIRPORT COMMISSION

13. Approval of a Marketing Agreement with Verb Interactive Inc. for the Production of a Stakeholder Video and a 12-Month Digital Media Marketing Program, in the Amount of $135,000